The merits of class teachers teaching design and technology against the use of the specialist teacher (Winnie the Pooh or Christopher Robin ...Who is right?)

Alison Hopton

1998,Vol. 3,No. 2,

Abstract

The current debate concerned with the specialist primary teacher versus the generalist is one that has stimulated strong arguments both for and against among primary specialists. Of course, it does not have to be either/or but factors such as size of staff, tirnetabling and an uneven balance of strengths often predetermine what is or is not possible. This article seeks to highlight the argument for the class teacher teaching design and technology, whatever his/her curriculum strengths. It focuses on three main areas for discussion:

knowledge of the children

curriculum integration

class management

It is hoped that this article will contribute to the argument and will provoke a reader to provide another viewpoint in this topical debate